August 12, 2016

Sean "Diddy" Combs wasn't about to let his pride get in the way of telling a good story.

So when the hip-hop recording artist, producer and actor, known worldwide as "Puff Daddy," was asked how his relationship with WWE first came to be, he didn't hold back. Combs recalled sitting down to watch WWE and seeing the same familiar face pop up on the screen as a celebrity guest.

"I want to tell you the truth, I called [WWE] after I saw Snoop Dogg," Combs said.

Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper and first cousin of current WWE women's champion Sasha Banks, has had such a memorable run on WWE telecasts in recent years that he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame in April. His success challenged Combs, a pro wrestling fan since his youth, to throw his own name into the ring.

"I had to put my ego down and make sure that [WWE] had my information because I did not understand why I hadn't been called yet," Combs told ESPN.com before letting out a hearty laugh. "And that really did happen. I'm not just saying that. I called Neil [Lawi, senior vice president and general manager of WWE Music Group] and was like, 'Yo, Neil, what's up?'"

Combs went on to make a pair of singing performances under the bright lights of the WWE stage -- in a 2010 "Tribute to the Troops" show in Texas and, most prominently, at WrestleMania 29 in 2013 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But the self-proclaimed "Bad Boy" made headlines this week when it was announced a new collaboration with WWE was in the cards.

In addition to a brief appearance Monday on Raw -- trading one-liners with the WWE tag team champions, The New Day -- Combs was named as the soundtrack curator for the WWE 2K17 video game that hits stores on Oct. 11.

An opportunity for a reunion with WWE was something he jumped at.

"[The McMahon family] are a great role model brand and, most importantly, a role model family, as far as building an empire and passing your legacy on to your kids," said Combs, a wildly successful entrepreneur in his own right. "When you interact with the McMahons, it's so professional and so positive."...More?